(gentle music) >> Narrator: At commander Torah headquarters in Berlin, the Cold War reaches a new crisis.

The Russians haul down the red flag, signifying Soviet withdrawal from the four-power command that has governed Berlin since the war's end, taking no pains to describe the fact that they want the Western Allies out of Berlin, the Reds began a blockade of the city.

Tracks are removed from the road beds.

And trains are stopped for so-called technical reasons.

Barges carrying food and coal find the waterways suddenly closed to them.

Highways are blocked and deserted.

The aim of the Russians to starve the entire city into submission backfires completely.

In the shadow of the Soviet Sector, 300,000 Berliners gathering in protest and pledge support to the Western Allies.

Meanwhile, Anthony Eden arrives in the German capital for an emergency meeting, as does the French military commander General Koenig.

Later, America's General Lucius D Clay, speaking for the Western Allies, announces their decision.

>> We have a right to be in Berlin.

And we intend to maintain that right.

>> Narrator: But how, ask freedom-loving people the world over and anxiously await the answer.

Can this be true?

Or is it just an alluring hot-weather mirage to lead us on?

(audience cheering) (audience whistling) To answer the question, I'm told this is Atlantic City's competition.

(audience booing) >> Announcer: Attention, please.

Your attention please.

All personnel of the 19th Troop Carrier Squadron report to 19th Operations immediately.

(audience chattering) >> Now what?

>> Somebody forgot to clean the carburetor.

We all got to stand in the corner.

>> Sounds like a hop to Australia to me.

>> Don't say that, I got a date in an hour.

>> What's the name?

I'll keep it for ya.

I'm good at that sort of thing.

>> Who isn't?

>> Narrator: Who will gather in September to vie for the Miss America title, in which capacity, the winner-- >> And as soon as ready, proceed to Fairfield-Saisun, California.

(audience grumbling) At ease.

And the Westover Field, Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts.

This detonation will be for the purpose of operational training and will be for a period of 45 days.

(audience chattering) >> Pardon me, Major.

My name is Kowalski.

I'm a GCA operator.

>> Yes?

>> I was wondering, sir, if I could be replaced on this mission.

>> Why?

>> Well, sir, if we're going where I think we're going, I wouldn't do a very good job.

>> What have you got against Westover Field?

>> Nothing, sir, but I got an awful lot against Germany.

And I got a hunch that's where we're heading for.

>> The Air Force doesn't run on hunches, Sergeant.

That's why we put lights on runways.

Have a good trip.

(gentle music) (plane engine roaring) >> Hey, Biggs, there's the Rhine.

>> Mac!

>> Mac!

>> Mac!

>> Something wrong?

>> Go back and wake them up.

We'll be in in about 10 minutes.

>> All right, men, wake up.

Come on.

(inaudible) in 10 minutes.

(whistles) (audience grumbling) All right, come on, wake up.

Rise and shine.

Rise and shine.

>> Rhine Main Tower, this is Air Force 7223.

Claiming its way for the US Station, cruising 3,500 feet.

Request landing instructions, over.

>> Rhine Main Tower, to 7223. Who are ya and where ya from?

Over.

>> This is Air Force 7223, 19th Troop Carrier Squadron, Hickam Field, Honolulu.

>> Rhine Main Tower to 7223.

Standby for further instructions, over.

>> Pilot: Roger 7223, standing by.

>> Pilot: Empire 6421 to Rhine Main Tower, over.

>> Rhine Main Tower to 6421.

Where are you from?

Over.

>> Rhine Main Tower from 6421.

We're from 54th Troop Carrier Squadron from Alaska, over.

>> Rhine Main Tower.

This is Air Force 9922, over.

Where we from?

Why, we're the 20th from Ramey, Puerto Rico, over.

(airplane engine roaring) >> Boy, this place sure caught it, didn't it?

>> Not enough, this is where they should have used the A-bomb.

>> Rhine Main Tower to 7223.

Make a right turn at end of runway.

You'll find some of your squadron in parking area, park there.

(airplane engine roaring) >> What's the matter?

You fellas cold?

>> Aw, shut up.

>> (laughs) I told you to take warm clothes.

Y'all ain't going to Germany.

It just don't make good sense.

Well, while I'm in charge, you all is here.

And before you're through, you'll also wish you'd never left the whole plantation.

(group chattering) >> Hey, fellas.

Hi, we're in the building.

Someone will come out later and show where your billets are.

>> Hey, how about pulling up to a dry spot?

>> Man, this is a dry spot.

You should see the rest of the base.

It's up to your elbow here.

Say, wait until after you be here a while.

You'll come right to this same spot here on your day off and walk around because it's so dry.

(group chattering) >> Hold up there, I'm sinking.

>> Quit kicking that mud on me, will ya?

>> Come on, quit your splashing.

(group chattering) >> Hey, this has got more class than the Savoy.

(group chattering) >> Hold it down in there, fellas.

Fellas, hold it down.

Answer to your name.

Blankenship.

>> Ho!

>> Jones.

>> Here.

>> Kennedy.

>> Yo.

>> Mason.

>> Yo.

>> Mattio.

>> Here.

>> MacCullough.

>> Ho.

>> Schultz.

>> Ho.

>> Kowalski.

>> Yeah.

>> You men, line up over here.

(group grumbling) It's not my fault.

I didn't make these orders.

I just work here.

(audience grumbling) This next group over to my right.

Barr.

>> Yeah.

>> Dornbusch.

>> Here I am.

>> Perry.

>> Yo.

>> Norris.

>> Yeah.

>> Reynolds.

>> Yeah, that's me.

>> Simmons.

>> Ho.

>> The main that you brought's been unloaded.

You men set up your supply depot.

I'll show you where.

You engineers report to your planes immediately.

(group grumbling and chattering) >> Now wait a minute.

You called me with the rest of the engineers.

I'm Kowalski, GCA.

>> Yeah, you're down for Berlin.

>> Berlin?

>> Depot Op.

Catch a ride on any plane.

>> As if a cesspool ain't bad enough, I gotta fall right in the middle of it.

Berlin, yet.

>> Goodbye.

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

(laughs) Oh, what are you?

A wise guy?

Can't you take a joke?

(airplane engine roaring) >> You mean here at Bolden?

>> Yeah, that's where we pick up the heading of 55 degrees.

>> Sure glad they sent you along, Lieutenant.

I'd be in Sweden by now.

>> I guess it's just a milk run when you get used to it, huh, Lieutenant?

>> Oh, sure.

All you have to do is stay in this 20-mile corridor, holding exactly 170 miles an hour, maintain exactly 6,000 feet by instruments, continuously keeping a three-minute interval, making radio checks on the second, maintain, go ahead, Tempelhof.

This is 7223.

Roger.

(airplane engine roaring) >> Depot Op?

>> Freiburger, before landing checklist.

>> Heater switch is off.

>> Off.

>> Pitch take off and climb.

>> Take off and climb.

>> Main tank's on.

>> On.

>> Bypass valve down.

>> Down.

>> Booster pumps on high.

>> High.

>> Certainly put this field in a nice place, didn't they?

20 degree flap.

Full flap.

Ease the power back.

Power off.

(tires screeching) >> William: Just like landing in the Rose Bowl.

After landing checklist.

>> (mumbles) RPM.

(mumbling) (airplane engine roaring) An hour and 46.

>> Lock 'em up, Sergeant.

>> Good to see you, boys.

I thought or sure they were going to make the engineer unload all this stuff.

>> With about only 200 feet and a quarter of a mile, I guess you could use GCA over those apartments, I'll bet you'll say.

>> Like money from home.

>> German?

>> Mostly.

Some VPs.

>> Who do you think you're shoving?

>> Bitte, bitte.

>> Don't give me, "bitte, bitte."

Stay away from me.

>> Come on, come on.

What do you want to do?

Start another war?

>> Hey, I think I'll check in.

>> Okay, I'll look you up next trip.

>> If I'm asleep, just leave your card.

>> I will.

>> Thanks for the lift, Lieutenant.

Which ways is Operations?

>> It's over there.

>> So long.

So long, Lieutenant.

>> Take it easy, Kowalski.

>> Pardon me, sir.

>> Yes, Sergeant?

>> Is it all right if I leave the fuel for a while?

I'd like to take a look and see what Berlin looks like.

>> It's not allowed, Sergeant.

>> You mean we have to stand around all the time we're here?

>> You know how long we'll be here?

20 minutes.

>> 20 minutes?

>> And you gotta stay right with the plane.

>> Alfred: Four hours ago, it was so nice and clean.

>> Huh, if this thing keeps going, wait'll you see it four months from now.

>> Alfred: Oh, brother.

(airplane engine roaring) (group chattering) (car horn honking) >> Mac.

Hey, Mac.

You know what?

Three C-54s from the Navy just came in.

>> The Navy?

>> Yeah, no fooling.

Here they come now.

>> Hey, fellas.

We can go home now.

The Navy's coming.

(group chattering) (background chattering drowns out speaker) >> Soldier: Doesn't give us enough trouble, they got to send us the Navy yet.

>> Hey, get a load of those guys.

Ain't they pretty?

>> Ah your mother-in-law wears GI shoes.

>> Those clean uniforms.

You'll be sorry.

>> Things get too rough for you guys, it's just right for the Navy.

>> Look, fellas, the bring for three planes an engineer for each cylinder.

(audience chattering) >> Hey, where you guys been?

You're five months late.

>> We wanted to see if you guys could do it alone.

But you had to call the Navy.

♪ Anchors away ♪ ♪ My boys, anchors away ♪ >> Boom, b-boom, boom, boom, boom.

>> Okay, fellas, let's give it to them.

Take it over, men, come on.

>> One, two, three.

♪ Off we go, into the wild blue yonder crash ♪ (singing in foreign language) (plane engine roaring) >> 37, roger.

>> We use the new runway.

>> Here's the bowling alley with lights.

>> Heater switches off.

>> Off.

>> Booster pumps high.

>> High.

>> Fingers crossed.

>> Crossed.

>> That's a graveyard down there.

>> They sure make it convenient for you.

>> Full flap.

>> Full flap.

(tires screeching) >> Hey, look, they got the honor guard out.

Wonder what's up.

>> Probably some VIP from the Pentagon.

>> Today many people are gathered here to celebrate a milestone in the history of this truly amazing air operation.

Only a moment ago when plane number 37 touched down on the north runway, it brought the total of airlift flights to the city to 100,000.

To express their profound gratitude, representatives of the people of Berlin are present to gifts to the crews of number 37.

The honor guard of the office of military government is also present, and in a moment but now the Lieutenant appears to be ready to give his first command.

(footsteps creaking) >> Hey, who are those guys?

They're sharp.

>> I wonder what this is all about anyway.

>> Hey, I want to get a picture of this.

>> Man your plane, sir.

>> Why?

What's up?

>> Man: Turn around, don't stop at this plane.

>> How do you like that?

Can't even have any coffee.

>> Hey, what gives?

>> Hey, Kowalski!

What's going on here?

>> I don't know.

I just come out of the shack.

>> Must be awful important.

>> Now the honor guard is approaching plate number 37 to escort the crew to the microphones here besides me where a brief ceremony will be held.

>> I wonder where they're going now.

>> They're going to spell out Navy.

>> Must be some brass some place.

>> Nobody this way.

Nope.

>> Nobody this way, either.

>> Fellas, I got a feeling this is us.

>> No, it can't be.

It must be a mistake.

>> You boys are elected for something.

(march band music) Don't bother, you look simply lovely.

>> Fix your hat.

>> I feel just as if you and I were getting married, Lieutenant.

>> And always, you are flying to us in every kind of weather, in rain, in sunshine, and in fog.

And so I'm giving to you (speaks in foreign language) briefcase a thanks to you from men of Berlin.

(speaks in foreign language) >> I accept this, not for myself, but for all those connected with Operation Vittles, not just the Americans, but the French and I mean, British, too.

Thanks.

(audience applauding) >> And now, Helmut Braucher, 10 years old, representing the children of Berlin, will make his presentation to co-pilot Lieutenant Alfred Freiburger of St. Petersburg, Florida.

>> Now, Helmut.

There's not one little old thing to be afraid of.

Go on, say your speech just like I taught ya.

Go on now, go on.

>> The boys and girls of Berlin present this to you and wanna thank you very, very much for everything y'all has done.

>> Well, Capt.

Stewart said what I was gonna say, so I'll just say, danke schoen.

(audience applauding) >> Good boy, good boy.

Have a chocolate bar.

>> Now to the flight engineer, Technical Sergeant Daniel MacCullough, from Saint Paul, Minnesota.

The presentation will be made by Frau Frederica Burkhardt.

(Frau speaks in foreign language) >> Sergeant MacCullough, I offer you this simple gift from all the women of Berlin, from the wives and mothers and from those who are alone.

We have watched your planes bring to this unfortunate city not only food and coal, but serums and medicines without which hundreds would have perished.

We have watched your planes take out sick and under-nourished children and returned them healthy and well-fed and happy.

Now this attache may appear to you to be empty, but believe me, it's filled with the gratitude and admiration of hundreds of thousands of women.

Please take it.

>> Oh, yeah, thanks.

>> Man: Give him a kiss, will you?

(speaks in foreign language) >> All right, I will.

>> Hang on, Sarge.

You'll get a draw.

>> Well, that was fun.

Now will you all move over there?

We wanna get you six together, huh?

Get right over there with her.

(audience chattering) Hey, Sarge, put that thing down, will ya?

And take her by the arm, go ahead.

Make with the teeth, real close.

(audience chattering) >> Frau Burkhardt?

>> Yes?

>> Herr Burkhardt-- >> My husband was killed in Russia.

>> Sorry.

>> That seems so long ago.

>> I wish we had time to have a little talk.

>> Perhaps we will meet again sometime.

>> They won't let us into Berlin.

>> What?

Not even for a little while?

>> Well, maybe if I'm very lucky and my plane catches on fire, yeah, they might give me a couple of hours.

I'm lucky like that.

Would I get to see you?

>> I'd be very happy.

>> Phone?

>> (laughs) I haven't got a phone.

But I give you the number of the person that lives next to me, it's 754532.

>> Roger.

You know, I might even set that plane on fire myself.

>> Soldier: Okay, that's it, fellas.

The boys have to get back to work.

>> Hey, and can I get a picture of where he's kissing the girl, huh?

>> Auf wiedersehen.

>> Shon?

>> Auf wiedersehen.

(plane engine roaring) >> Oh, Sergeant MacCullough.

MacCullough.

I'm Dick O'Malley, Associated Press.

I hear you're from St. Paul.

>> Yeah.

>> Well, the St. Paul Dispatch is one of our member papers.

They've been after me to do one of those hometown boy flies lift story.

I don't usually work with this box, but both of our photographers is sick.

Would you mind helping me out with some pictures and answering some questions?

>> I don't know.

I've read some of those pale blue yonder stories.

I'd feel pretty silly.

>> No, this has got a different angle.

>> Well, thanks, I appreciate it.

>> Look, tell you what I wanna do.

I wanna follow you and a load of flour from Rhine Main into Berlin through the warehouses with the flour winding up as a loaf of bread in some kid's arms.

>> I see.

You mean, I'd have to come to Berlin, hm?

>> For a day or two.

It wouldn't take more than a couple hours of work, though.

>> You know, sir, that kind of story hasn't ever been done before.

Funny, my mother writes to me.

And she says, a lot of people ask her, what happens to the food after Danny delivers it?

Get that?

After I deliver it.

Well, how do I know?

I've never been outside Tempelhof.

>> Well, you'll do it, then?

>> You can't get me into Berlin.

>> I'll talk to headquarters.

You know, the Air Force doesn't mind a little publicity now and then.

>> They don't, I didn't know that.

It's very interesting indeed.

>> Fine, I'll pick you up at Rhine Main in a couple of days.

>> Good deal.

>> Right, okay.

(plane engine roaring) >> What a swindle.

The day we're asked to set a record, you goof off.

Well, I'll probably be working 18 hours today and all the time, you'll be in Berlin with some beautiful schatzi.

>> Schatzi, a very colorful expression.

You Air Force men are certainly interesting to listen to.

>> Now quit the clowning and sit down here.

The least you can do is take this trip with us.

>> No, no, no, no, I couldn't.

No, really, I'd be too nervous.

I'd push all the wrong buttons.

>> How long you been flying the lift, Sarge?

>> Since the first week in July.

We all came over together 192 carrier from Honolulu.

We're part of the 53rd now.

>> How do you like your job?

>> Oh, it's a wonderful opportunity.

And I'm grateful for it.

You really learn your job on this operation.

It gives you the feeling of accomplishing something.

♪ Dah, dah, dah-dah-dah, dah-dah-dah ♪ ♪ Dah, dah, dah-dah-dah-dah dah-dah ♪ >> You're now approaching the building area on a heading of 270.

>> We're coming GCA.

Listen to it.

A friend of mine.

Best in the business.

>> Kowalski: You're now over building area going high on glide path.

Adjust your rate of descent.

Glide path improving.

Quarter mile from touchdown.

On course, on the glide path.

Approaching the end of the runway.

On course on the glide path.

Now start breaking your glide.

Take over visually now and complete your landing.

>> That I've got to see.

>> Well, this is the whole set-up.

You understand the principles of GCA?

>> I wouldn't want to bet on it.

>> Well, without getting too technical, it works something like this.

See, the antennas on top of the shack send out radio signals which hit an object and are reflected back here and show up on these scopes.

Like an echo only a little faster, junior.

They go out and come back with the speed of light.

>> Like a fast echo.

>> Now this scope is a 360-degree scan.

And it revolves with the antenna on the roof, you see?

Now these spots which you see here, we call them permanent echoes, those stationary spots.

Well, they're houses and buildings and chimneys and so forth.

Now the ones that are moving with the tails on them, see them there?

>> No, where?

>> Kowalski: Right there.

There's one, there's another one.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> Well, those are planes coming in and going out.

Now this scope isn't critical enough to land a plane.

So we have these two, see?

Now here's the approach at the beginning of the runway.

And over here, that's the glide path.

Now any deviation in the normal descent is shown up in this meter, right here.

>> Where?

>> Well, if you look through the glass you can see it.

Oh, he's bringing one in now.

You see him?

He's 50 feet too high.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> And this is the course scope, which shows whether you're too far to the left and the right.

And here's the lateral approach, which shows the end of the runway.

See that scratch there?

>> Yeah.

>> Well, we just keep staring into it, right down the middle.

Come on outside, I wanna show you something.

>> Radio: Building area now.

You're right on the center line.

Right on glide path.

>> Now watch, it'll be right over the graveyard.

Can you hear him in there?

>> Radio: One mile from touchdown now.

Over the building area.

Right on center line.

Right on glide path.

You're very nice.

Approaching the end of the runway now.

Right on center line.

Right on glide path.

Now start breaking your glide.

You're now on clear takeover.

Visually complete your landing.

See us right at tower for taxi instructions to Jigsaw.

>> Well, I'll be, how do you like that?

>> Now let me see.

Turn a little bit toward me.

That's fine, not into the camera.

Right here, now look pleasant, look pleasant.

All right, that's fine, good.

Well, I guess that does it, Sarge.

>> Moment, honey.

>> (speaks in foreign language) Is for you.

Nylons?

Wrong size.

Want a smoke?

Coffee'll stunt your growth.

Here we are.

Hear, dear.

>> Danke.

>> Bitte.

>> Well, thanks a lot, Sarge.

When I get the story done, I wanna send you a copy.

>> Thanks for getting me into Berlin.

I promise I'll do my best to promote better feeling between Americans and Germans tonight.

Well, guten tag.

>> Danke schoen.

>> Well, you're welcome, honey.

Auf wiedersehen.

Thanks, again.

>> Well, so long.

>> Auf wiedersehen.

>> Yeah, yeah.

>> Auf wiedersehen.

>> Yeah, yeah.

>> Danke schoen.

>> Yeah.

So now you know how they bake bread in Germany.

A mess sergeant could have told you in two minutes.

>> I didn't want a date with a mess sergeant.

Where can I telephone?

>> Oh, there's one down the corner.

>> Good, you know someplace I could take her for dinner?

>> Not around here.

I know a spot where they don't bother you.

Look, why don't I pick up my schatzi and we all have dinner?

>> You've got a schatzi?

>> Well, after four months, even I get tired of looking at nothing but blips on a radar scope.

That little half-pint works in a mobile snack bar.

>> I was sure you'd latch on to some American secretary but I'm good.

>> No, with them it's perhaps I can see you on Thursday.

How do I know I wanna see her on Thursday?

With Gerdie, it's different.

If I want to see her, I see here.

If I feel like talking, she talks.

And if I don't feel like it, she keeps her mouth shut.

Anyway, she gives me one-day service on my laundry.

PX takes a week.

>> What's the idea?

>> Look, they belong in the gutter.

And if they don't get out of my way, I'm gonna push them there.

>> Got a coin?

>> Here.

Hey, Fritz!

Well, bring it over here.

If I wanted it in the middle of the street, I'd ask for it there.

Come on!

>> She's not at home.

She is working (speaks in foreign language) Barbarosa Strasse 26.

>> Well, that's right over by the field.

You can drop me off.

>> Okay.

(speaks in foreign language) >> 26 Barbarosa.

>> Bitte?

>> 26 Barbarosa.

It's over near the field.

>> Barbarosa Strasse (speaks in foreign language) >> Danke schoen, yeah.

>> Bitte, bitte.

What's the matter?

Don't you trust your German?

>> For me, they get only English.

If they don't understand me the first time, I keep hollering at them until they do.

>> Where's that get ya?

>> I learned my German the hard way.

And while I'm around, that's the way they're gonna learn English.

Now don't start feeling sorry for them.

They hate our guts.

The situation were reversed, they'd kick your teeth in twice a day.

(tires screeching) (speaks in foreign language) >> Yeah, yeah.

Thank you, sir.

(door closes) Hi.

Remember me?

>> Sergeant MacCullough.

So you did get to Berlin?

>> Yeah, I did.

(speaks in foreign language) They gave me 24 hours.

I've used up five of them already.

>> Seeing me like this surprises you, I suppose.

>> Yes, it does.

I guess I didn't picture you at such hard work.

>> Not always, I used to be a secretary for the head of a big laundry here in Berlin.

But came the blockade, and-- >> Frau Burkhardt!

(speaks in foreign language) >> Do you want me to go?

>> Oh, that's all right.

Came the blockade, no life, no laundry, no position.

And nobody else needed a secretary.

And in Berlin, when you are between 18 and 55, you must work.

>> Couldn't they find something easier for you than this?

>> Maybe they could, but they didn't.

It's hard, but we get the higher ration card.

And that's very important here.

>> Say, I hope after all this you're free for dinner tonight.

>> Thank you, yes.

(speaks in foreign language) >> Hey, how late do you work?

>> I'll be about 20 minutes.

>> All right.

>> But I've got to do some shopping on my way home.

>> That's okay, I'll wait.

>> Yeah?

Good.

>> Strange, when you look in the stores, it seems like so little.

Before you fly that stuff in, it seems like an awful lot.

>> It is, but almost 70% of what you bring is coal.

>> Yeah, I guess when you divide up what's left among 2.5 million people, it's not that much.

>> It's more than we expected.

When the Russians blockaded Berlin, we all thought you would leave.

There was an old saying, when the bear growls, the eagle will fly.

And it happened.

But you didn't fly out.

You flew in.

And we are grateful.

>> very grateful.

You know what?

You got a British accent.

Where did you get it?

>> (laughs) My teacher in school studied in England.

>> Oh.

On you, it sounds good.

>> Thank you.

Over there.

>> Bitte, bitte.

(speaking in foreign language) (group screaming) >> And while you take a bath, I'll bring your uniform to Herr Schneider.

And he'll clean it and press it.

>> All this pays for only two cigarettes.

Oh, I got it on the bread, too.

>> Well, with our bread nowadays, it might even taste better.

>> Don't make me laugh.

>> I go down and get your uniform now.

Here's Herr Stieber's bathrobe to put on.

(laughs) >> Thank you, ma'am.

(footsteps creaking) >> Guten tag.

>> Guten tag.

>> Guten tag.

>> Guten tag.

(door knocking) (Stieber speaks in foreign language) Hello.

Sorry to bother you.

>> Was a dining room here, Stieber.

>> My name's MacCullough.

I wanted to thank you for the robe.

And Frau Burkhardt tells me that you heated the water for my bath.

I sure thank you.

(plane engine roaring) (Stieber speaks in foreign language) What are you doing?

>> I'm a Russian spy.

>> You're what?

>> I'm Russian spy.

I count to planes that come to Tempelhof, huh?

Number of planes, time it comes, type of plane.

Each three hours, I talk to Russians.

>> Each three hours, you talk to Russians.

>> Yeah.

>> Aren't you afraid I'll report you?

>> (laughs) Americans know I do this.

One time, they fixed telephone for me.

>> You the only one does this?

>> Oh, no.

Russians like me at (mumbles) are filled in this country, too.

>> But the official figures on airlift are printed in the paper every day.

The Russians must see it.

>> Yeah, but Russians don't believe that.

>> Why?

The figures are correct.

The Air Force wants people to know.

>> You believe it I believe it.

But Russians don't believe it.

Russians believe nothing they see, only what other Russians say.

You know, here in Berlin, on the streets, we have, my English is, (speaks in foreign language) to this place, to that place-- >> Sign posts.

>> Yeah, sign posts, eh?

This way to Andrews Barracks.

That way to Unger.

Mmh?

Russians don't believe it.

They say no one could be such a dummkopf to show the way to General Clay's office.

(laughs) >> Tell me something.

You count the plans.

>> Yeah.

>> The other spies do the same thing.

>> Yeah.

>> Then your figures must agree with the figures in the paper.

>> Nein.

>> Why nein?

>> Russians don't believe papers.

And so I say sometimes less.

That Russians believe.

Made them very happy.

(speaks in foreign language) >> Floor?

>> Yeah.

On that floor, there's living a man, Herr Markier.

And he spies on me.

But Russians don't know that Markier is a husband of my sister.

And so Markier says to Russians, Stieber is a very honest spy.

(laughs) >> Who spies on Markier, his uncle?

>> No, his nephew.

Russians have 15,000 Germans as spies.

They give us (speaks in foreign language), you know the part of fat made so that sometimes clothes and cigarettes.

And Russian cigarettes, bad.

I would like to work for Americans.

>> Do they have many spies?

>> No, not so many.

Only 10,000.

>> 10,000?

That means 25,000 spies spying on each other.

Things must get a little gemischt.

>> Oh, yeah, a little zehr gemischt.

But there's also maybe 500 who are spying for both sides.

(speaks in foreign language) That's necessary.

It's a very good thing for no work?

>> Unemployment?

>> Yeah, yeah, that's a very good thing for unemployment.

(plane engine roaring) Eh, American Airlines commercial.

>> Commercial.

(door rattling) (speaking in foreign language) (footsteps creaking) Of all the Schneiders in Berlin, the Russians have gotta pinch the son of the one that's got my pants.

Well I can always sit by a window and watch lift planes land at Tempelhof.

What did they want him for anyway?

>> Oh, I don't know.

>> With Russians, who knows?

Maybe he say something they didn't like.

Maybe he's something they need in Russia, like the (speaks in foreign language) or he can fix something.

Walk into Russian Sector and auf wiedersehen.

>> Say, maybe you could go to the tailor's house and bring him back here.

>> Yes, but for me, he might not come.

If you went, an American soldier-- >> What am I going to ear?

Oh, no, no, sir.

If I'm seen out of uniform, I've had it.

They give me 10 days, goodbye, stripes.

Worse than that, they'll take away my PX card.

(audience chattering) >> Look, milk.

We haven't seen those for years.

>> I forgot my cigarettes.

>> We can get some down there.

>> I want to get scrip.

>> Oh, you can pay me later.

Have me cigarettes.

(speaks in foreign language) >> He's got everything but bananas.

>> You want banana?

(speaks in foreign language) >> No, nein, nein, nein, nein.

How can you go out with me?

Look at this here.

>> I'd look like that too, if it weren't for some friends in St. Louis.

They gave me these clothes.

We are coming into the Russian Sector.

>> The Russian Sector?

I thought everybody stayed out of the Russian Sector.

>> Just the military.

The Germans go back and forth all day long.

We just go for part of it here and then into the British Sector.

(speaking in foreign language) >> What's the matter with him?

>> He says somebody's got coffee.

And unless it's turned over to him, searches.

(speaking in foreign language) She's been saving the coffee to trade it for coal.

(speaking in foreign language) (group laughing) Oh, there it is 22.

>> MacCullough: Great, we got the wrong address.

>> He probably lives in the basement.

(speaking in foreign language) She says her husband went to the Russian Sector to see whether he could find any trace of their son.

And she doesn't know when he'll be back.

And he's got the key for the store with him.

>> Well, I guess there's nothing we can do.

Tell her we'll be back later.

(speaking in foreign language) What are we gonna do?

I'm supposed to meet my friend in half an hour.

>> We could go and have dinner and come back here afterward.

>> Go like this?

>> Oh, they won't bother you.

>> Okay, how about that?

Now the sun is shining.

What's the address?

Severence.

>> I know where that is.

It's not far from here.

We can take the trolley for a way.

And then it's only a short walk.

>> Walk?

Wait a sec.

Get the Severence in the shoe.

That's better.

Wait a second.

Are you okay?

>> This is-- >> No.

Before things were like this in Germany, how long would it have taken until I could put my arm around you?

>> Oh, that would have depended on two things which part of Germany and which part of me.

Like this, so close?

Months and months.

>> This blockade has its advantages.

>> Yeah, yeah.

And this was just filled with trees.

Before it was such a beautiful park.

And on Sundays, families used to walk along here and look at the statues.

>> Who are all these characters?

Frederick the Great.

>> These are all the military heroes.

It's called Siegesalle, Victory Avenue.

>> They don't look so sieges anymore, do they?

(gentle music) (background chattering) Pretty good tenor sax.

>> What is it you say?

They are hot?

>> Yeah, smooth, in the groove, hot.

Now how do you work this Du-Sie business?

>> Well, in German, the word for you is Sie, and-- >> No, but when you get to know somebody real well.

>> We use the familiar, Du.

It's like thee and thou.

The same as on the streetcar, usually this would take a long time.

>> But when you only got 24 hours, and you've used up eight of them already-- >> For fast emergencies, we have the Du-Sie.

We link our arms and drink.

And then we-- >> Is there any custom for doing this a second time so we can get more more convenient?

>> I have heard of any.

>> Well, let's try one.

>> Guten tag, Herr Kowalski.

>> Well, if it isn't Maxie.

You sure went native in a hurry.

>> I left my uniform in the tailor.

Now I can't find the tailor.

>> You're the nicest looking piece of MP bait I've seen in a long time.

>> Frederica, this is Sergeant Kowalski, Frau Frederica.

>> How do you do?

>> Hi.

>> Where's your-- >> Gerdie?

She stopped to say hello to somebody.

Here she comes now.

There's a real mess there, huh?

But she earns a good share, so what she looks like.

So sit down, sit down.

Don't smother her.

This is Gerdie.

>> Gerda.

>> Gerdie's good enough, sit down.

>> Frederica.

(speaking in foreign language) >> Danny.

>> Hi.

>> Sit down.

You people shake hands more than needed be.

>> I believe this man over there is trying to attract your attention.

>> Guten abend.

>> Guten abend.

>> You speak English very well.

Where did you learn?

>> Both: Night school.

>> She also speaks a little Russian and French.

I noticed him when I came in.

He looks familiar.

What's his name?

>> Gunther Laukien.

>> Gunther.

No, that doesn't ring a bell.

Maybe he works around Tempelhof.

Danny tells me your husband was killed in Russia.

>> Yes.

>> What was he?

SS?

>> Do you want to dance?

>> No, and I don't mind answering.

My husband was not in the SS.

He was drafted.

>> Someday I'd like to meet just one German who enlisted.

>> Tell me, Sergeant.

In America, you have no conscription?

Nobody was ever drafted?

I heard 11 million.

>> And I read in a paper-- >> Who asked your opinion?

>> And now I suppose you want to know about my father and my mother.

My mother was killed in an air raid.

And my father went much earlier.

He was a professor at the Berlin University.

And when they burned the books, he spoke out against them violently.

They burned his books.

And I haven't seen him since.

Now is my life concern the factories out of you?

>> Do you mind if she sits with us?

>> Look, I just asked a couple simple-- >> Insulting questions.

>> And I got a couple of insulting answers.

So we're even.

I'm sorry, okay?

>> Okay.

>> Okay.

>> Your father must have been a very brave man to say no at such a bad time.

>> Not brave, he doesn't believe in getting stronger.

>> My father believed too.

>> Your father was a lout.

That's the big reason you people got sucked in by Hitler, this father business.

I swear I know that guys from somewhere.

From the time German kids is so high, papa is the boss.

He tells you what to say, when to shut up, what to do, what to think.

Papa can be the biggest jerk in the world.

But what papa says, goes.

And along comes another jerk like Hitler, and he becomes the papa for all the papas.

>> Yes, I've read about that father complex many a times.

I doubt whether it's true.

But if it is, you are certainly doing nothing to cure it.

>> What do you mean?

>> The stupid lug.

You're treating Gerda exactly the same way.

You tell her what to say, what to think.

>> You know something?

You're right.

When I'm wrong, I admit it.

You're absolutely right.

From now on, you can disagree with me.

>> Out loud?

>> Sure.

>> And to answer questions?

>> Of course.

>> Good.

("It had to be you") Hank, Hank, what's the matter?

>> Nothing, I just remembered where I met that guy.

>> But, Hank-- >> I'll be right back.

(footsteps creaking) Felix.

(speaks in foreign language) I kept looking at you in that restaurant.

And I knew I'd seen you somewhere.

And when you got up and limped, it all came back to me.

You're the spitting image of a guy I knew over here during the war when I was in a prison camp.

His name was Felix.

(speaks in foreign language) Take it easy.

I just said you look like him.

Let me tell you about this guy.

He had a bad knee, just like yours.

He couldn't get in the regular army.

So they made him a prison guard.

He hated it.

He wanted action.

(speaks in foreign language) Your eyes seem to understand English.

That's enough.

So this Felix started a private little war all his own.

He hated the Americans.

He hated the Poles.

And I was both.

So he picked on me.

When we went out on work parties, he'd take me out to the woods and make me speak German.

Not simple easy things like guten tag and auf wiedersehen, but ice little tongue twisters like.

(speaks in foreign language) That's tough enough for a German, but for an American?

Well, I made mistakes.

And when I did, he'd correct me with the butt-end of his rifle, right here in the kidneys.

I used to swell up like a hunk of dough with too much yeast in it.

I got about three lessons a week.

Took me about seven months, but I learned German.

Of course, I've forgotten some of it.

But if the weather changes suddenly or I bend too quick, you'd be surprised how quick it comes back to me.

It's a tough way to learn a language.

But there was nothing I could do about it.

I was a prisoner.

I couldn't taken a swing at him.

Come to think of it, you're sort of in the same spot now.

You're a German civilian.

If you got a beef with a soldier, you couldn't lift a finger, could you?

Trying to get to the Russian Sector so I couldn't follow you?

I don't know, Felix.

I could squeeze until you were as cold and wet as a statue, but it would be too easy.

I'm gonna give you an English lesson, Felix.

And I won't need a gun butt.

Now the Germans have a hard time with their W's, don't they?

Well, I'm going to give you something easy to start with, not too tough.

Just say it after me.

Which way went the winged whippoorwill?

And mind, I don't wanna hear any V's in there or I'll have to correct you.

Now try it.

Which way went the winged whippoorwill?

>> Vich vay, (screams) >> No, no, Felix.

Which way, try it again.

>> Vich vay.

(screams) >> Once more, Felix.

Which way.

>> Vich vay.

(screams) >> Peter!

Peter!

(footsteps creaking) (police sirens wailing) >> Hank!

Are you crazy?

You'll kill him.

Hank!

(Felix grunts and groans) (police sirens wailing) >> There goes one of them.

There he is.

Halt!

>> Frederica: Danny, hurry, this way, quickly!

>> Halt!

Get in the jeep.

They're making for the gate.

There they are!

(police sirens wailing) (tires screeching) They stopped.

>> What are they stopping for?

>> Oh, they wouldn't come in here.

This is the Russian Sector.

>> Oh, great.

>> Oh, now, there's nothing to worry about.

We just go down-- >> You mean go on into no, no, let's just wait here.

And then we'll walk back.

>> Into that jeep again?

No, the best way is just a few blocks more here, where the three Sectors come together.

We can cross over there.

>> Well, what about Hank?

>> Oh, he'll be all right.

It will be his word against Gunther's.

And they'll decide the German started it.

And Gerda will be there.

She'll lie if necessary.

Cigarettes and soap are not easy to get.

>> Oh, why didn't I bring my identity card.

No identity, do I look Russian to you?

Still following us?

>> No.

>> We lost him.

>> This way.

No, no, this way.

No, no!

(background chattering) >> Nein!

They want to take us, and we are in the British Sector.

>> She's quite right.

They are on our side.

Where do you live?

>> Tempelhof, American Sector.

>> And you?

>> He is my husband.

He he was shot in the throat during the war.

He can't speak.

>> Duhl-- >> What's the matter?

These Ruskies giving you trouble?

>> Oh, same old thing, mate, border quarrel.

Looks to me like they're way over on your side.

Used to be a line here some place.

>> I know, can't make anything of it, though.

It's been cutting out.

Let's get this business settled once and for all.

Let's call the major.

>> Yeah, and I'll ring the duty officer.

>> All right, now don't let them get these people away from you.

(audience chattering) >> You mean, they haven't been back here at all?

>> No, and they haven't called on the telephone too.

>> Oh, it's all right.

We're friends of theirs.

Where's her room?

We'll wait.

>> Right here.

Oh, a trunk fell on my hand.

Will you heat me some water so I can soak it?

>> Oh, yeah, yeah.

>> Turn on a lamp, will ya?

I don't suppose anybody around here's got a drink.

Here.

Go make some coffee.

>> Yes.

Oh, but I don't know these people.

To use up their gas-- >> Give them some cigarettes.

>> You don't feel better.

>> No.

>> Your hand hurts more?

>> Not my hand.

For seven years, I've been waiting for the satisfaction of beating that face in.

So now I've done it, so do I feel this way?

So dirty.

>> It's better than feeling good.

>> Go make the coffee, will ya?

(horn honking) >> The boundary is 14 meters from that curb stone.

(speaking in foreign language) >> Well, the Colonel states that the boundary is not 14 meters from this cornerstone, but from that one.

>> Well, let's measure from over there.

>> Fair enough.

(audience chattering) >> What are we waiting for?

(speaks in foreign language) >> And the Russians say you are-- >> Liars, gangsters, rats-- >> Yeah, they say that too.

But what is it when you don't do what you say other people should do?

>> Hypocrite.

>> Yeah, yeah, you were a hypocrite.

You fought Hitler because he was against the Jews.

And yet-- >> Now wait a minute.

That's only one of the reasons.

>> Yeah, but still you hated him for it.

And the Russians say in America, Jews are kept out of certain jobs and schools and-- >> And they're right.

It shouldn't be.

It stinks.

>> Uh-huh.

>> But where did you find out about it?

>> I read it in a book.

>> An American book?

>> Yeah.

>> Where'd you get it?

>> From a friend.

>> Where'd the soldier get it?

>> From the PX.

>> Well, look, stupid.

Thats's your answer.

Here's a book that points out something pretty awful about America-- >> Mm-hmm.

>> But it's written by an American, printed in America.

It's a bestseller in America and sent here by the American government to be sold in the PXs.

>> Yeah.

>> Yeah, yeah.

Look, the next time you're in the Russian Sector, do me a favor, would ya?

>> Mm-hmm.

>> Get me a copy of an anti-Russian book written by a Russian living in Russia, printed in Russia, and sent here by the Russian government.

Do that, and I'll give you a month's salary.

You get the point?

>> Now, I know.

In America, it is not wrong to be wrong if you say it's wrong.

>> What do you got stuck on your shoulders?

A cantaloupe?

I didn't say that.

I'm only, I know, but I-- >> Like the new look?

>> It's just adorable.

Especially the midriff.

>> It's cold.

>> Well, at least you're still a Sergeant I thought maybe they shunt you to a corporal.

>> I think they cleaned it with reducing pills.

They did a nice job of pressing, though, don't you think?

>> Which one are you going out on?

>> 107, right here.

>> How'd it go last night?

>> Very interesting.

>> Interesting?

What'd you do?

Go to the library?

>> Yeah, we read Schopenhauer together til six in the morning.

>> Hey, Mac!

What happened to you?

>> They sent me to the cleaners.

It's amazing how much both girls still wanna keep on living.

>> Yeah, I guess it hasn't been easy on them.

>> I never realized that staying alive could be a 24-hour job.

>> And I suppose she wanted to know all about America?

>> No, she didn't.

She knows, she has friends who write to her from St. Louis.

>> Look, why don't you come to?

She's a smart dame.

She pegged you fast.

You're a nice, sweet, intelligent, understanding schmo.

So it uses you in a slow sympathy routine.

I guarantee you with me, just like that.

>> Why don't you stop jumping to conclusions?

Or at least use them where they fit.

They don't happen to fit here.

Look, she's had it.

So have a lot of other people in this town.

But she didn't wanna talk about it.

I made her tell me.

>> Yeah, I know.

You just have to drag it out of these poor people.

I feel so sorry for them.

Every Sunday at four o'clock I come here and bleed.

There are somethings they just can't stand to talk about, like Rotterdam and Warsaw and Coventry and (mumbles).

Did she talk to you about these things?

No.

This is something that happened 10,000 years ago.

That, the Germans never heard of.

That, they can't remember.

But they didn't get meat last week.

This, they remember.

And this, they feed the suckers like you.

>> Oh.

What am I supposed to do?

Blame all that on a girl who was what, 15 at the time.

>> I've been burning to tell you ever since I-- (plane engine roaring) >> Hey, look, this panty's got holes in them.

>> That's-- >> Hey, you think this is big enough for Boysa?

>> If I was her, you'd better buy two and sew them together.

>> Don't you have any with perfume on them?

>> Hey, lady, could you model these for me, please?

>> I'll take the white one.

(plane engine roaring) >> What is the Rhine Main weather?

>> Closed now and will be until this afternoon.

You'll get of about 1,300.

>> Okay, okay, you can go to town and see her.

But keep check of the weather.

>> Yes, sir, yes, sir.

Thank you, sir.

(horn honking) >> You sure took off in a hurry.

By the time I got out from the shack, you were gone.

>> You going to town?

>> No, I just wanted to talk to you.

>> I gotta talk to somebody else.

>> Now, that's what I wanna talk to you about.

>> What about it?

>> I've been delivering your cigarettes and blouses and stockings and coffee.

I just wanted to see you get your money's worth.

So far you haven't been.

Maybe you'd better look at this.

>> What?

What is this?

(papers rustling) >> Little further down, you'll see that that husband of hers was in the SS.

In the early days, those boys weren't drafted.

>> Where'd you get this?

>> I figured her for a phony right from the start.

A friend of mine in the document center looked up the file on her.

On the next page, you'll find out that that wonderful father of hers never saw a university.

Had a little dough.

Wanted to keep it.

So he played ball with the boys, nice guy.

>> It's true, all of it.

And there are many other things I lied to you about, and they are not on that paper.

>> Why?

>> Why?

What I told you is maybe what I wish had happened.

>> What your husband did and what your father did, that wasn't your fault.

But why did you lie to me about that?

>> Perhaps to make you more sympathetic.

When you have to live by the generosity of others, you learn to make yourself pitiful and brave.

When you live in a sewer, you soon discover that the sewer rat is best equipped to survive.

Look around you for a minute.

That's why we lie.

To escape from it for even a moment now and then.

(foreman speaks in foreign language) (child chattering) (children chattering) >> We've been here longer than six months already.

>> Well, how do you like that?

I've been home three weeks and didn't know it.

>> Morning.

>> Morning.

>> Excuse me, sir.

>> What can I do you for, Sergeant?

>> I'd like to apply for permission to marry a German civilian sir.

>> I've discovered, Sergeant, that all such applications made at 8:30 in the morning are always canceled a few days later.

Why don't you wait until about 5:00 this afternoon?

>> Oh, it's not like that, sir.

I was on duty last night.

>> Oh.

Well, I guess I can dispense with the talk I give the kids.

I guess you're old enough to know your own mind.

Ask the Sergeant.

He'll give you the necessary papers.

And I'll go over the case as soon as you fill them out.

But you must remember, Sergeant, that if and when I give my permission, the marriage cannot take place until 30 days before your departure.

>> I understand that, sir.

I noticed by the paper this morning rotation is starting.

Is there any indication of when my number might come up?

>> That's all pretty new.

But I wouldn't count on anything for less than 60 days.

>> Thank you, sir.

Boy, you ground grips have sure got it tough.

Don't know how you stand it.

>> Just grit your teeth.

You get used to it.

Want a cup of coffee?

>> No, I can't, I gotta get back.

They're trying to make the turnaround in 14 minutes.

Will you take this, give it to Frederica?

They're papers she's got to fill out.

>> Sucker, why don't you-- >> Look, the only permission I need is from my squadron commander, not from you.

Will you deliver it?

>> If it clears up, I will.

If not, I'll give it to Gertie.

>> You mean to say in America, if you want to go from one place to another, you don't have to have permission from the authorities?

>> No, all you need is a train's bag.

Just pack your bag and go.

(speaks in foreign language) >> Ah.

>> Guten tag, Herr Stieber.

>> Hi, would you give this to Frederica?

It's from Danny.

>> Yes.

(speaks in foreign language) >> Okay.

(speaking in foreign language) >> Yeah?

(speaking in foreign language) (gentle music) (papers rustling) (group chattering) (phone ringing) >> General Turner's office.

Yeah, yeah, Davenport.

What?

Yeah, we'll be right over.

Hey, Danny, they just posted the stateside list for next week.

Hey, they just posted the stateside list for next week.

(audience chattering) >> Come on.

Let's move.

We all wan to take a look at it.

Hey, Danny.

I see they got you on for Friday.

All right, let me-- >> Come in.

I am holding.

>> Sorry to bother you, sir.

I just found out that I'm due to go home on Friday.

>> So I see.

Placements are coming through faster than we thought.

>> Yes, sir, but what about my marriage application?

>> I'm trying to get Berlin now to see what we can do about it.

Hello.

Is Major Balt there?

Major Balt.

>> I can't hear you, speak louder.

>> Major Balt, baker, able, tare.

Yes, Balt.

These long-distance calls are murder.

I think the German telephone system is made out of chicken wire.

I hope we can speed up your application.

>> Perhaps I could go home a couple of weeks later.

>> Oh, no, Sargent.

That would mean 50 forms in triplicate and cost the government at least 30,000, hello?

Major Balt?

This is Major Hetzel.

>> Who?

>> Major Hetzel at Rhine Main.

>> You'll have to speak louder.

I can't hear you.

Yes, louder, love, oval, uncle, dog, easy, roger.

>> Okay.

Now here's the dope, Sergeant.

Instead of sending your papers through the regular channels, you'll give them to your pilot on your next trip up.

He'll bring the to me.

I will sign them in the 18 places and get them to you.

>> I certainly thank you, sir.

But what about that month before the departure regulation?

>> This is classified as extraordinary condition, circular three, paragraph D, subsection 12.

You can marry her anytime before your departure time Friday.

>> But she lives in Berlin, sir.

>> I know, get one of off-duty engineers to ride up with you and he can work the trip back.

>> Yes, sir, thank you very, very much.

>> Okay.

But I wish you guys would stay single.

(plane engine roaring) >> (speaks in foreign language) Herr Stieber will be very grateful.

The ones he got are so bad.

>> You're talking to the guy that wore them.

Well, 48 hours and we won't have to worry anymore about red tape-- >> What did you say?

>> I said...

Shut up!

(horn honking) 48 hours and we won't have any more worries about red tape.

I'm coming!

I guess I gotta go, here, darling.

>> Thank you.

>> Goodbye, dear.

(lips smooching) I'll see you soon.

Bye.

(horn honking) (car engine roaring) (plane engine roaring) >> What's a five-letter word for idiot?

>> Pilot.

>> Sir, let me see if I can work it out.

>> Well, here comes one of our pigeons home.

>> And it looks like he's gonna roost for a few days.

>> I'm afraid not, Sergeant.

It says here, stateside departures will be on schedule.

You'll leave by train tomorrow for Bremerhaven and home by boat.

>> Thank you, sir.

(telephone ringing) >> 53rd Troop Carrier Squadron, Major Hetzel speaking.

Got you, Colonel.

Right away, sir.

>> And we hope it will lift enough here for takeoff starting at 1200 hours.

With Tempelhof partially and intermittently open starting at 1400 hours.

It is important to land every ton we can.

But your lives are more important.

You'll make your GCA approach.

And when you have let down to your minimums, if you do not have sufficient visibility, pull up and come back.

Taxi conditions at takeoff position here are not good.

Proceed cautiously.

Here is your time pack.

>> Okay, in 20 seconds, it will be 11:15.

>> What am I doing here?

Today's my day off.

I oughta have my head examined.

>> What that follow-me Jeep needs is another follow-me.

Jeep to follow.

>> The Tower just cleared 68.

Hey, Tower, this is 37.

Ours is up, what are you waiting for?

The sun?

>> Tower to 37.

Keep your shirt on.

How's your visibility?

>> William: Can't complain, how's yours?

>> Look, wise guy, how far can you see?

>> I can see up in the towers.

>> What's more, you need a shave.

>> Okay, it's your neck.

Your clear, pardon the expression, to take off.

>> 37, roger, bye bye.

(plane engine roaring) We'll never get in there.

Six misses in a row.

>> Well, maybe we'll be lucky, by 5:30.

(sirens wailing) Too thick, I guess, huh?

>> We're down to minimums.

Can you see anything?

>> Just my wife and two kids.

>> I don't wanna be a hero.

We're going home.

Flaps up to 20.

>> Tower, 37, bail or break through.

Returning Rhine Main 20.

>> Roger, big Easy 37 from Tempelhof.

Tower cleared to 6,500 feet.

Cruise 170, regional 3,009.

Remain on this frequency and give check call over one to you over.

>> Gear up.

Sorry, Mac.

(button beeping) >> It's a beaut.

>> Better in four.

Pull the fire wall shut-off valve.

Cut mixture on four.

Gas off.

Trail number four.

Pull the fire barrel.

Switch off.

Generator off.

Booster off.

How does it look back there?

>> About the same, sir.

Maybe a little worse.

>> Do any good?

>> Isn't good, Al.

>> Better give them a call.

Tempelhof Tower, this is Big Easy 37.

Number four's on fire.

We can't get it out.

Requesting emergency landing instructions, over.

>> Well, you don't have to look so happy about it.

>> Roger Big Easy 37 from Tower.

QSY to frequency 14,058 to approach control for emergency clearance, over.

Emergency, do not acknowledge.

Big Easy 37 with number four engine on fire will make an emergency on runway 27 left and to the west.

Stand by.

(sirens wailing) >> Keep your truck here.

The other trucks, get off by the runway.

>> Tempelhof Airways to Big Easy 37.

We have you identified.

There's nothing between you and the slot.

Crash crews standing by.

Now steer let left 180 degrees bringing you on crosswind leg.

Start descent to 1,500 feet, QSY to Jigsaw 140.58.

Jigsaw, 37 coming in on emergency landing.

Do you have him?

>> Roger.

Big Easy 37, this is Jigsaw.

How do you read?

Over.

>> Roger, Jigsaw from 37.

Reading five of five, over.

>> Roger, 37, understand five by five.

Make final cockpit check here in the green.

Now turn to a heading of 270.

This is your final approach.

Maintain altitude of 1,200 until further advised.

Five miles from touchdown on course.

Do not acknowledge any further transmissions for the remainder of this run.

(plane engine revving) You're drifting slightly left.

Steer right to 273.

You're approaching on course perfectly.

Steer left to 271.

Your new heading, 271.

You're on course approaching glide path.

Lose altitude at 750 feet per minute.

You're on course heading 271.

1 1/2 miles from touchdown on course, going 50 feet low on glide path.

Approaching building area.

Adjust your rate of descent.

You're now 60 feet low.

Still 60 feet low.

Adjust your rate of descent please.

That's better, glide path improving now.

Steer right 271, 3/4 miles from touchdown.

(plane engine roaring) Adjust your rate of descent, please.

That's it, one quarter mile from touchdown approaching end of runway.

(tires screeching) >> Let's get out of here.

(sirens wailing) >> Man: Get out of here.

>> I've been looking all over for you.

>> Danny!

>> Hi.

>> But, today, like this?

How could you possibly-- >> Honey, we're getting married today.

>> Oh!

>> We haven't got time for this kind of thing.

>> But, Danny-- >> No, don't, quiet, quiet, just listen.

We got to move fast.

I got to get to the consulate right away and get some papers stamped.

But look, you've got to go home, get dressed, and meet me as soon as you can at the Tempelhof burgermeister.

Hank and Gerda will be there, they're our witnesses.

Now here's your stuff?

>> There.

>> Oh.

(door knocking) >> Man: Come on, open the door.

>> Come in.

>> Get your coat on.

We've got to be witnesses at a funeral.

Mac's marrying that dame.

Well, don't just stand there.

Come on, look alive, get moving.

>> I don't feel like going.

>> Oh, "I don't feel like going."

Look, I don't care what you feel like.

Get your coat on.

>> You treat me just like my father did.

Get your coat on.

Do this, do that, keep quiet, sit down, stand up.

I'm tired of it, and I'm not going to stand for it anymore.

>> What's the matter?

Are you plastered or something?

What've you been drinking?

>> Words.

Good words.

I've been reading this, your Constitution.

The Bill of Rights.

What Lincoln said, and Wilson and Roosevelt.

>> Oh, don't let it go to your head.

>> And after what I read, I see something now.

You are a disgrace to America.

And they shouldn't send people like you here.

>> Now enough is enough.

Who do you think you're talking to?

>> It doesn't matter.

>> Well, I-- >> I can say what I want.

Article One says Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.

Or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press.

Or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government or a redress of grievances.

That's what it says, you big, stupid jackass.

>> One more crack like that and so help me, I'll knock you from here to Potsdam.

>> All right, go ahead.

Hit me, you storm trooper!

>> Now wait a minute.

You're not yelling at some crummy kraut.

I'm the guy that brings you the cigarettes and the candy and the soap and the stockings and the coffee.

>> I'm sick of you and your coffee.

Get out of here or I'll have you thrown out.

And I've got the perfect crime, too.

Article Three says no soldier shall in time of peace be quartered in any house without the consent of the owner.

Now in time of war, but in a manner the people to be prescribed by law.

So get out and stay out.

And don't come back.

(cries) >> Baby!

Now you got it.

That's what I've been trying to tell you.

Don't let anybody push you around.

Not even me, that's democracy.

Now you got it.

>> You can take your cigarettes and your candy and-- >> That's it, baby, keep hitting.

Hit the bull's eye to get your first paper.

Yes, come on.

You're a citizen, honey!

>> Take your soap and your soap.

>> Gerdie, I mean, Gerda, please put your coat on, baby.

We'll be late.

(soft music) (door knocking) >> Yeah?

(speaking in foreign language) >> And so, my darling, it is sure now that I will be with your again some day.

You must write quickly and tell me how long I must stay with him before I can get a divorce and not have them be able to send me from America.

In a way, it will be worse being in the United States so close to you, wanting to be in your arms and still so far away.

Perhaps you could come to St. Paul sometime and we could meet in a theatre or a store every so often.

(door opens) (door closes) >> Man: Hey, Mac!

>> Danny, where have you been?

I was worried.

>> Oh, a lot of papers to fill out, sorry.

>> You have to wait.

The burgermeister is hitching somebody else.

>> Oh.

>> I didn't know if you had time to buy a ring.

I brought this.

It was handed down to me from my grandmother.

>> Beautiful.

Where did you get it?

>> My grandmother.

>> Oh, yeah.

>> Danny, I'm so happy.

But also a little sad that you are going back to America tomorrow.

>> Danny: Yeah.

>> When will I come?

In a month?

>> I think it will be longer than that.

>> Oh, no, Danny, no.

>> Danny: I'm afraid so.

>> Frederica: Where will you go?

St. Paul?

>> Maybe St. Paul.

I might go to St. Louis.

>> Why St. Louis?

>> Why not?

Nice place to live, don't you imagine?

>> Give it to me.

>> No.

>> What is this St. Paul, St. Louis?

>> I hope you get your wish and find a way to get out Germany.

>> And I hope you don't.

We could do without you too.

I'm afraid your grandmother handed you down a lot besides that wedding ring.

(footsteps creaking) Gerda!

>> What?

>> Where are you going?

>> Oh, I've got to find Danny.

I can't let him go like this.

He mustn't judge people by a person, good or bad.

What she did there is no excuse.

But to know how she could do it, he must look back.

And then we grew up over the lies were taught and to tell the truth was to disappear.

Only the ends was important, they told us.

How we reached the ends made no difference.

Cruelty was everywhere.

And to betray your friends was not sad.

Feelings about this meant nothing.

And, oh, Hank, I've got to talk to him.

For someday, there has not been time enough yet to-- >> Taxi!

>> And for some-- >> Gerda, Gerda!

You go on back to your place.

I'll see you later.

Mac, come on, let's grab this taxi.

>> Oh, Gerda, bye.

>> Bye, Danny.

>> I'll see you sometime.

>> No, I don't think so.

I'll stay here.

I wanna see one day the right kind of Germany.

Maybe I can't help much, but I wanna see it.

And if everybody who wants something different and better looks for someplace else, what happens here?

No, I'll stay, goodbye, Danny.

>> Goodbye.

(door closes) (audience chattering) >> Hey, there's one up.

Looks like you'll get away.

>> Yeah, how about you?

>> I forgot to tell you.

I switched to permanent duty.

Well, they got some new GCA equipment coming in.

They want me to help get the kinks out of it, that's all.

Well, why don't you watch what you're doing?

(speaking in foreign language) Well, if we are ever gonna sell these stoops a new way of living, you got to be a pretty good salesman.

Anyway, it won't kill me to try it for a while.

>> Hiya, Mac, going back with us?

>> Yeah.

I seem to remember us standing like this once before, you shouting advice at me.

Guess you were right.

>> No.

We were both wrong.

You were too easy.

And like Gerda says, I was acting like a storm trooper.

I suppose the answer lies somewhere between us.

Just think of it, if we made mistakes, we'd be second lieutenant.

>> Well, see you, Hank.

>> Goodbye, Danny.

(audience chattering) >> Hey, hey, come here, will ya?

(audience chattering) >> Hank: What do you want, meathead?

>> What are these Krauts yelling about?

(speaking in foreign language) >> He says, somebody heard over the radio the Russians are gonna lift the blockade.

(audience chattering) Ah, yeah, yeah.

What are you thanking us for?

>> Say, you think this thing is really over?

>> When they start putting the seats back in these things, then I'll believe it.

Well, now, now.

If they can take off when the birds won't even fly, I guess a blockade isn't much of a weapon.

(gentle music)